Push-pull control



`Ian. 29, 1957 H. GINTovT ETAL 2,779,834

PUSH-PULL CONTROL Filed oct. 2o, 195s nited States Patent O PUSH-PULL CONTROL Henry Gintovt and Walter l. Eshelman, Dover, N. H.,

and George L. Chapman, York Village, Maine, assignors to Clarostat Mfg. C0., Inc., Dover, N. H., a corporation of New York Application October 20, 1953, Serial No. 387,174 8 Claims. (Cl. 20G-68) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved electrical control which in its more specific aspects provides an assembly of an extremely compact nature and by means of which it will be feasible to operate a switch of a suitable rotary type in an improved and/or alternative manner through the movement of an actuating shaft.

By the present invention, it will be feasible to furnish an improved assembly involving a variable resistance or potentiometer of the rotary type as well as a switch of the same type; both assemblies being operable by a single actuator.

A further object is that of furnishing a control in which, in response to a reciprocation of the actuating shaft, the parts of a rotary switch will be caused to function in a positive manner; the mechanism being of an extremely simple and compact nature so that expense will be minimized and the entire assembly may be embraced within a very restricted space.

Still other objects are those of providing an `actuator by means of which the foregoing results may be achieved and also combining with that actuator a rotary switch and control so that the switch will be operated in response to reciprocation of the actuator.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheet of drawings illustrating one practical embodiment of the invention and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of a control assembly;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken through that assembly and illustrating the switch mechanism in its closed or on position;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the parts of the switch in off or open position; and

Fig. 4 is a somewhat exploded perspective view with certain of the parts separated and illustrating the essential elements whereby the desired results are achieved.

Primarily referring to Fig. 1, it will be seen that there has been shown a control embodying, for example, a potentiometer or variable resistance as well as the mechanism of a switch. The latter may govern energization or interruption of the circuit within which the control is interposed, or else may be entirely independent of that circuit. The switch is of that type which, in response to a rotation or swinging of its actuator causes an opening and closing of a circuit or circuits. Preferably the switch assembly will embody a structure of the type illustrated in United States patent to George J. Mucher 2,642,506 dated June 16, 1953, and with that thought in mind, the present drawings illustrate such a mechanism. lt is to be understood, however, that switches embodying a different lay-out of parts might be employed and that those switches might control any desired number of circuits.

Still referring to Fig. l, the numeral 5 indicates the operating shaft which extends within the bushing 6 of the assembly. Interposed between the bushing and the shaft is an operating sleeve 7 which, in accordance with conventional practice, may extend beyond bushing 6 and be provided with a groove to receive a washer 8 which prevents its inward movement. At its inner end, it is suitably connected to the operating mechanism 9 of a variable resistance or potentiometer and which mechanism is rotated in order to cause a control of the circuit.

Conveniently, terminals 10 may extend from the housing 11 of the control and be connected with the mechanism 9. Having in mind that shaft 5 is to be capable of reciprocation or a push-pull movement as well as rotation and that in response to the latter, mechanism 9 is to function, a desirable coupling exists between the shaft and that mechanism. Conveniently, this coupling may take the form of a flattened face 12 formed in .the shaft cooperative with a non-annular edge of an opening in the assembly 9. Accordingly, while the shaft may be freely reciprocated with respect to the control assembly and without in any sense causing an operation of the latter, it may not be rotated with respect to that assembly.

A casing 13, housing a switch mechanism, is conveniently affixed to casing 11. The coupling between these parts may include straps 14, interlocking tongue portions 15, or any other suitable construction. As shown the rear end of shaft 5 is sufficiently long so that it will extend into casing 13. Both casings 11 and 13 may be formed of metal or any other desired materials. They might be integral and in the form of a single casing. Whether integral or not, their configuration might be modified in any desired manner in that they merely provide an enclosure or one form of suitable mounting for the mechanisms.

As afore brought out, the mechanism of the switch generally indicated at 16 preferably will be similar to that shown in the Mucher Patent 2,642,506. lf that mechanism embodies its simplest form, then merely a pair of terminals 17 will extend from casing 13. Otherwise, a greater number of terminals may be employed. The switch actuator, similarly to the disclosure of the Mucher patent, may involve a T-shaped unit 18 but contrary to the patent showing will involve a stem portion 19 having its inner end pivotally supported and provided adjacent its outer end with upstanding ear portions 20 and 21. The actuator rotates or oscillates through an arc of around 45. In passing through its dead center position and moving to one or the other side of the same, it assures a complete opening or closing of the parts of the switch assembly. A spring 22 forming a part of that assembly maintains the mechanism in either of its two extreme positions.

Now with a view to translating reciprocation on the part of shaft 5 into rotary movement on the part 19 of the switch actuator, it will be seen that a shaft 23 is employed which conveniently has its opposite ends directly supported for rotation by the switch casing 13 or any other supporting structure which is provided. This shaft includes a crank portion embracing outwardly extending arms 24 and a bridging portion 25. The latter is conveniently of reduced diameter. A finger 26 also forms a part of this shaft and rides within the space between arms 2t) and 21 of the actuating element 19. The edges of this finger may be conveniently rounded so that suitable bearing surfaces are furnished. Swivelly secured to the inner end of shaft 5 is a forked member 27, the arms 28 of which are separated so that the bridging portion 25 may be accommodated therebetween. In Fig. 4, for the purpose of clarity, this forked member and shaft 5 have been shown at a point separated from the remaining parts. As will be understood, referring especially to Fig. l, the inner end of shaft 5 and the arms or fingers 28 of the fork are disposed substantially in the plane of shaft 23.

As afore brought out, when shaft 5 is rotated, sleeve 7 and operating mechanism 9 will likewise turn. That operating mechanism, due to its arrangement of contact arms, resistance and other parts (not shown) insures a emessa;

constant or bias4 orpullon sleeve 7 to the left as viewed in Fig. 1. Movements of the parts in this direction and beyond a predetermined point is prevented by washer 8 er its functional equivalent, Artation ofthe` operating mechanismr; assures arvariationof current values within the circuit of which the operating mechanism forms a part. That mechanism may also be in circuit with terminals 17 of the switch assembly. Should it be desired that the control b e independent-in the electrical senseof the switch, then separate terminals 1d will be provided therefor.

When shaft is reciprocated, this will not affect the adjustment of the parts generally designated at 9. However, it will result in apush-pull action being imparted to the forked member 2 7. That member will not have been turned by theearlier rotation of shaft 5, in View of the swivel connection which exists between these parts. The arms 28 will engage the opposite faces of shaft or crank portion 2.5' asV shaft 5 is reeiprocated. Therefore, shaft 23 will, under theseV circumstances, be rocked. Such rocfing will cause finger 2d to alternately engage arms 2d and 2l, thereby oscillating member 19 around its pivot. This will cause an operation of the switch assembly which as afore brought out will be maintained in one of its two extreme positions by the action of spring 22. That spring will likewise serve to maintain shaft 5 in the position of axial adjustment to which it has been shifted.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invern tion as specifically aforenoted are achieved. Obviously numerous changesin construction and re-arrangements of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

We claim:

l. ln a. push-pull control in combination a shaft, means for supporting said shaft for reciprocation, a rotary switch actuator mounted for swinging movements, an operating unit for said actuator and including a rotary shaft supported for swinging movements in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of said first-named shaft, means forming a part of said latter shaft and actuator for swinging'the latter as said rotaryshaft is rocked, a crank portion forming a part of said latter shaft and means carried by said Erst-named shaft and engaging said crank portion to rock the latter in response to a reciprocation of said first-named shaft.

2. In a push-pull control in combination a shaft, means for supporting saidA shaft for reciprocation, a rotary switch actuator mountedfor swinging movements, an operating unit for said actuator and including a rotary shaft supported for swinging movements in a plane substantially perpendicular tothe axis vof. said rst-named shaft, means forming a part of said latter shaft and actuator for swinging the latter as said rotary shaft is rocked, a crank portion forming a part of said latter shaft and a swivelly supported forked member carried by said firstnarned shaft and engaging said crank portion to cause rotation of the latter as said first-named shaft is reciprocated.

3. In a control as a sub-combination a shaft, means whereby said shaft may be mounted for rotation and reciprocation, a rotary crank, a switch actuator extending from said crank, means connecting said shaft to rock said crank asy the, shaft, isreciprocated and means forming a part of said shaft whereby it may engage with and cause a functioning of a rotary control.

4. In combination a casing having an outer face, a switch actuator rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to such face, a shaft, means for supporting said shaft for both rotation and axial reciprocation in a plane substantially perpendicular to the casing face, a second shaft rockingly supported at an angle-with respect to said first shaft, a crank portion forming a part of said second shaft, a fork swivelly secured to said iirst-named shaft and engaged by said crank to connect said shafts and to cause the second tov rock in response to reciprocation of the first and means extending from said second shaft and engaging said actuator to rotate the latter.

5. in a combination as set forth in claim 4, said actuator comprising a member and spaced ears extending outwardly therefrom and a finger secured to said second shaft and extending between said ears to cause rotation of said actuator in response to a rocking of said second shaft.

In the combination as set forth in claim 4, and means associated with saidfirst-.named shaft whereby the latter may be slidably and non-rotatably coupled to the control mechanism of a second electrical unit.

7. In combination, amember mounted to be axially shifted, a casing for an electrical control, a, control actuator rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to the face of said casing and mounted by the latter, the shifting of said member occurring in a plane substantially perpendicular to the casing face, a shaft rockingly supported at an angle with respect to said member, a crank portion forming a part of said shaft, a forked element swivelly secured to said member and engaging said crank portion for connecting the member and said shaft to cause the latter to swing in response to shifting of said member and means extending from said shaft and engaging said actuator to rotate the latter.

S. In combination, a member mounted to be axially shifted, a casing for an electrical control, a control actuator rotatable in a plane substantially parallel to the face of said casing and mounted by the latter, the shifting of said member occurring in a plane substantially perpendicular to the `casing face, a shaft rockingly supported at an angle with respect to said member, means for connecting the member and said shaft to cause the latterv to swing in response tov shifting of said member, a pair of spaced ears extending from saidy actuator and a finger connected to said shaft and disposed between said ears to cause rotation of said actuator as said shaft is rocked.

References Cited in the lile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,162,136 Thorp et al lune 13, 1939 2,177,292 Schellenger Oct. 24, 1939 2,283,636 Hill May 19, 1942 2,598,613 SimoniV May 27, 1952 2,642,506 Mucher June 16, 1953 2,650,270 Mucher Aug. 25, 1953 FORElGN PATENTS 687,420 Germany Ian. 29, 1940 

